About the District of Columbia Library Association

The District of Columbia Library Association (DCLA) is a chapter of the American Library Association (ALA) and the local service organization for librarians and library workers, LIS students, and library supporters in the Washington DC, metropolitan area.

The purpose of an ALA chapter is to promote general library service and librarianship within its geographic area, to provide geographic representation to the Council of the American Library Association, and to cooperate in the promotion of general and joint enterprises with the American Library Association and other library groups.

One example of DCLA’s strong partnership with ALA is our annual sponsorship of National Library Legislative Day. Every year, DCLA members provide support for librarians and library workers from all over the United States who visit Washington DC to speak with their elected officials. DCLA is a volunteer organization, operated under the guidance of an elected Board of Directors. Membership in the American Library Association is not required to join DCLA. If you would like to get involved in activities of the DCLA, join the organization and reach out to a DCLA Board member or Committee chair. Your contributions, input, and support are what make DCLA a vibrant and engaging organization!